NAW is appealing a federal district court ruling that upheld Oregon’s EPR packaging law, continuing its legal challenge over fee-setting authority, interstate supply chain impacts and distributor obligations under the state’s Recycling Modernization Act.
Consumer/Retail
Article
Lowe’s Launches Drone Delivery for DIY, Pro Customers
The home improvement giant is piloting 20-minute drone delivery near Charlotte, joining a relatively short list of companies that have explored aerial fulfillment for time-sensitive products, parts and supplies.
The electrical distribution giant said its new worldwide Data & AI platform now brings predictive models to operations representing 95% of company revenue, with applications spanning inventory, sales and customer experience.
Digital Commerce
Article
Amazon Adds 24/7 AI Workflows to Seller Assistant
Amazon expanded its Seller Assistant with persistent memory, always-on workflows and integrations with outside AI tools, giving marketplace sellers more ways to automate pricing, inventory and listing tasks amid a broader wave of investments across...
Chemicals & Plastics Distribution
Article
EMCO to Acquire Pride Chemical Solutions in Northeast Expansion
Wisconsin-based EMCO will net two Northeast distribution and packaging facilities, more than 80 employees and a portfolio of over 3,000 SKUs.
The deal adds three established JanSan private-label brands to ORS Nasco’s expanding master-distribution platform while providing the clearest example yet of Essendant selling assets as it prepares for a potential shutdown.
Gases & Welding Equipment
Article
Falcon Gases Lands Majority Investment, Acquires Encore Gas & Supply
Odyssey Investment Partners has taken a majority stake in packaged gas distribution platform Falcon Gases, which simultaneously acquired Southern California-based Encore Gas & Supply as its first acquisition.
Finance
Article
Fed Study: 75% of Firms Keeping Cash from Tariff Refunds
A Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta survey found that most companies receiving tariff refunds expect to retain at least some of the money as cash, though more than half also plan to direct a portion...
Consumer/Retail
Article
Platinum-Backed R&B Wholesale Acquires Grand Appliance
The deal combines R&B Wholesale’s western U.S. appliance distribution footprint with Grand Appliance’s Midwest retail and distribution network, about 17 months after Platinum Equity invested in R&B.
Staffing Changes
Article
Meritus Appoints Director of AI Operations, Acquires Tempe Distributor
The new hire joins Meritus to lead enterprise AI initiatives spanning use-case development, governance, security and training as the industrial gases and welding supplies distributor continues to expand through acquisitions.
Facilities Maintenance (MRO)
Article
Stellar Industrial Supply Lands Investment from SNH Capital Partners
MROP distributor Stellar said the outside investment will provide long-term capital and operational resources while preserving the company’s leadership team, customer-focused culture and strategic direction.
Material Handling
Article
Wolter Acquires Flatley Dock Systems in WI
The Wisconsin-based material handling distributor’s third acquisition of 2026 adds loading dock, commercial door and field service capabilities across the Milwaukee and Chicago markets.

